Introduction
The world of Pokémon has always been filled with creatures of wonder and mystery. Yet, nothing could have prepared trainers for the arrival of the Ultra Beasts. These extradimensional entities burst onto the scene during the Alola region saga, causing both excitement and a sense of unease. Their sudden appearance through shimmering Ultra Wormholes challenged everything we thought we knew about Pokémon, introducing a level of complexity and strangeness never before seen. These weren’t just new Pokémon; they were visitors from another reality, with powers and appearances unlike anything encountered before.
This article aims to unravel the enigma surrounding these fascinating creatures. We will delve into their origins, dissect their unique characteristics, and explore their impact on the Pokémon universe. From the initial shock of their arrival to the lasting questions they leave behind, we will cover everything you need to know about the elusive and powerful Ultra Beasts. Prepare to journey beyond the familiar landscapes of the Pokémon world and step into the realm of the unknown.
What are Ultra Beasts?
The term “Ultra Beast” refers to a group of extradimensional Pokémon that first made their appearance in the Alola region. They originate from different dimensions accessible through Ultra Wormholes, rips in spacetime that connect our world to theirs. The Aether Foundation, driven by the eccentric Lusamine, was the first organization to seriously investigate these wormholes and the creatures emerging from them. Their research, though controversial, laid the groundwork for understanding the nature of the Ultra Beasts.
Unlike standard Pokémon, Ultra Beasts possess a distinctly alien quality. Their biology defies conventional classification, often exhibiting bizarre forms and behaviors. Their power levels are also significantly higher than most Pokémon, making them formidable opponents. What truly sets them apart is the Beast Boost Ability. This unique ability raises their highest stat after they knock out an opponent, turning them into increasingly dangerous threats as a battle progresses. This ability further emphasises their unusual and otherwordly nature.
Ultra Beasts are often referred to by codenames beginning with “UB,” short for Ultra Beast, followed by a number and a descriptive term (e.g., UB-Symbiont). These codenames often reflect the perceived threat posed by each individual Ultra Beast, giving us insight into how they were initially regarded by researchers and those charged with containing them. This method of classification also helps to understand the general objective in the initial interaction, containment of the Ultra Beasts.
A Deep Dive into Each Ultra Beast
Let’s explore the unique characteristics of each Ultra Beast, delving into their appearances, origins, battle strategies, and role in the storyline.
UB-Symbiont (Nihilego)
Nihilego, the Parasite Pokémon, is a Rock/Poison-type Ultra Beast that resembles a jellyfish. Its design is inspired by the concept of a parasitic symbiosis. It latches onto a host and mimics their appearance and behavior, as seen with Lillie in the games. Nihilego boasts high Special Attack and Special Defense, making it a potent special attacker and wall. Its ability, Beast Boost, further amplifies its power, allowing it to sweep through teams if unchecked. Its connection to Lillie as well is one of the more unique aspects that separates it from the other Ultra Beasts.
UB-Absorption (Buzzwole)
Buzzwole, known as the Swollen Pokémon, is a Bug/Fighting-type Ultra Beast. Its design is based on a mosquito combined with a bodybuilder, giving it a muscular and imposing appearance. It is incredibly strong, as seen in the anime when it punched the ground so hard that it caused an earthquake. Buzzwole possesses high Attack and Defense stats. In battle, it functions as a physical powerhouse, capable of dealing significant damage and taking a beating.
UB-Beauty (Pheromosa)
Pheromosa, the Lissome Pokémon, is a Bug/Fighting-type Ultra Beast known for its elegant and swift movements. Its design draws inspiration from cockroaches, but with a more refined and almost humanoid form. It is said that anything that touches Pheromosa is left spotless. Pheromosa boasts exceptional Speed and Attack. It excels at quickly overwhelming opponents with its powerful physical attacks, making it a formidable sweeper.
UB-Lighting (Xurkitree)
Xurkitree, the Glowing Pokémon, is an Electric-type Ultra Beast whose design resembles a mass of tangled wires and cables. Its bizarre appearance is both unsettling and strangely fascinating. It gets its power from electric cables by sticking them into the ground. Xurkitree possesses exceptionally high Special Attack. In battle, it’s a devastating special attacker capable of unleashing powerful Electric-type moves.
UB-Blaster (Celesteela)
Celesteela, the Launch Pokémon, is a Steel/Flying-type Ultra Beast that resembles a bamboo stalk crossed with a rocket ship. Its immense size and unusual design make it a truly unique Ultra Beast. It lives off of minerals in the soil and uses it for energy. Celesteela has high Defense and Special Defense. It excels as a defensive wall, capable of soaking up damage while slowly chipping away at opponents with its attacks.
UB-Blade (Kartana)
Kartana, the Drawn Sword Pokémon, is a Grass/Steel-type Ultra Beast that resembles a folded origami figure. Its sharp edges and precise movements give it a deadly edge. It is said that Kartana can slice through a steel tower with one stroke of its blade. Kartana boasts incredibly high Attack and Speed. In battle, it is a swift and powerful physical attacker, capable of one-shotting many opponents.
UB-Glutton (Guzzlord)
Guzzlord, the Junkivore Pokémon, is a Dark/Dragon-type Ultra Beast with an insatiable appetite. Its design is a grotesque combination of mouths, teeth, and a generally repulsive appearance. It is constantly eating and nothing can satiate its appetite. Guzzlord has high HP and decent Attack and Special Attack. It excels at stalling opponents and dealing damage with its diverse movepool.
UB-Adhesive (Poipole) & Evolutions (Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon)
Poipole stands apart from the other Ultra Beasts, as it’s the only one known to evolve. The unique Ultra Beast evolves into Naganadel when leveled up after learning the move Dragon Pulse. Poipole is a Poison-type, resembling a small, purple, needle-like creature. In its home world, Poipole is a common sight as a starter Pokemon.
Naganadel, the Poison Pin Pokémon, is a Poison/Dragon-type. Its design is a larger, more developed version of Poipole, with a prominent stinger on its abdomen. Naganadel retains its status as a special attacker, with high Special Attack and Speed.
Stakataka, the Rampart Pokémon, is a Rock/Steel-type. Its design is a collection of stone blocks to form a fortress, giving it a sturdy and imposing appearance. Stakataka boasts exceptionally high Defense. In battle, it excels as a physical wall, capable of absorbing physical attacks and retaliating with powerful moves.
Blacephalon, the Fireworks Pokémon, is a Fire/Ghost-type. Its design is a clown like creature with a detachable head that can explode. It’s unpredictable nature makes it dangerous to approach. Blacephalon boasts high Special Attack and Speed, making it a powerful special sweeper.
The Role of Ultra Beasts in the Pokémon Universe
The arrival of Ultra Beasts had a profound impact on the Alola region. Their unpredictable behavior and destructive potential caused significant disruption to the local ecosystems. These sudden appearances forced the local authorities to reallocate resources to deal with potential threats. The Ultra Recon Squad, hailing from the Ultra Dimension, arrived in Alola to investigate and mitigate the damage caused by Ultra Beasts. Their expertise and understanding of these creatures proved invaluable in containing the threat.
The Aether Foundation, under Lusamine’s direction, played a central role in the Ultra Beast storyline. Lusamine became obsessed with the Ultra Beasts, particularly Nihilego, seeking to merge with them and create a perfect, unchanging world. Her obsession led her to open Ultra Wormholes, unleashing the Ultra Beasts upon Alola and endangering its inhabitants. The moral implications of the Aether Foundation’s research and Lusamine’s actions are a central theme in the storyline, raising questions about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
After the initial crisis subsided, trainers were given the opportunity to capture Ultra Beasts as part of a post-game quest. This involved working with the International Police, led by Looker, to track down and capture the remaining Ultra Beasts scattered throughout Alola. This quest provided players with a challenging and rewarding endgame experience, allowing them to add these powerful and unique Pokémon to their teams. This also allows the player to experience the perspective of managing the Ultra Beasts and dealing with their unusual nature.
Theories and Speculation
The origin of Ultra Beasts remains shrouded in mystery. Theories abound about their homeworlds and the true nature of the Ultra Dimension. Some speculate that each Ultra Beast originates from a different dimension with unique physical laws and ecosystems. Others propose that the Ultra Dimension is a fractured and unstable realm, with the Ultra Beasts representing the consequences of dimensional instability. It remains unclear, and up to the person’s own thoughts.
Parallels can be drawn between Ultra Beasts and certain Pokémon or human characters. Nihilego’s parasitic nature reflects Lusamine’s desire for control and her distorted view of beauty. The conflicting nature between Pokemon and Humans can also be represented in this relationship as Nihilego merges itself with a human. Guzzlord’s insatiable appetite mirrors the human tendency for excess and consumption. These connections suggest that Ultra Beasts may serve as allegorical representations of human traits and societal issues.
The Ultra Beasts have the potential to appear in future installments of the Pokémon franchise. Their unique designs and abilities make them compelling additions to any Pokémon game or anime series. Whether they return as major antagonists or as allies remains to be seen, but their impact on the Pokémon universe ensures that they will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Conclusion
The Ultra Beasts are a unique and compelling addition to the Pokémon universe. Their alien origins, bizarre designs, and immense power set them apart from traditional Pokémon, challenging our understanding of what it means to be a Pokémon. Their introduction brought new levels of depth and complexity to the Pokémon lore, prompting players to question the nature of reality, the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the boundaries between the human and Pokémon worlds. The Ultra Beasts have truly left their mark on the world of Pokémon, and their legacy is sure to endure for years to come. Their place is as some of the most intriguing and mysterious creatures in the world of Pokémon.
